Today I am working with a rescue horse who has some issues with clippers. A horse's natural reaction to fear is what is often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. In this session, I will help the horse work through his fear by showing him where he can flee to. He'll learn that by changing his headset and stopping his feet, he can "escape" the stimulus he's afraid of.

Why change his headset? A horse must relax in order to put his head down, so this will help us teach him to manage his emotions.

Tools Needed: a full cheek snaffle bit & a dressage whip

1. Start at a standstill, just asking him to soften his nose to the bit and lower his head.
2. Disengage the hindquarters and get his body moving.
3. Start asking him to walk forward while softening his nose, walking with him at his shoulder. As I soften his nose, I want him to still move out of my space. I want to see him quit fighting and quit trying to escape and get soft, yielding control of his body over to me without anxiety and without an attitude.
4. Start lifting the bit in the corner of his mouth. Let him find a RELEASE WHEN HIS HEAD IS DOWN toward the ground. This is what we've been working toward. If he spooks and gets scared, go right back to the exercise.
5. Introducing the clippers: I want him to learn that by standing still and staying calm, he can make the clippers go away. If he needs to flee, let him, but let the release come when his feet are still.

I hope this series of exercises helps you teach your horse how to handle his emotions. Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride!

Ken McNabb